When did U2 become classic rock? Do I really have to endure another Bachman Turner Overdrive or Peter Frampton song in my pursuit of legitimately CLASSIC rock?
Aside from being released in the sixties or seventies, rock becomes classic when the artist’s entire body of work not only remains relevant to both the old and young, but when it still influences and inspires people to make music. I’m talking about CLASSIC classic rockers, bands whose names can be shortened and still be recognized. Bands like Zeppelin, the Stones, Pink Floyd, Creedence, the Who and countless others. I don’t even like the term ‘classic rock;’ it’s become a dumping ground of tired old songs that burnouts used to dig ‘back in the day.’ I mean really, do you actually know anybody who likes listening to Joe Walsh?
Granted, a lot of these so-called classic rock bands aren’t entirely worthless. They may have one or two decent songs. That, however, is not enough to warrant the inclusion of their entire recording output and to bestow upon them the coveted descriptor ‘classic.’ Conversely, someone may have achieved the status of rock and roll superstar with an extensive catalog of great material to boot but all you hear from them on the radio is “cocaine,” “cinnamon girl” or “the boys are back in town.” It seems that there are classic rock bands and classic rock songs. Either way, the term is horribly broad and entirely subjective; I’m making arbitrary judgments right now.
Aside from being released in the sixties or seventies, rock becomes classic when the artist’s entire body of work not only remains relevant to both the old and young, but when it still influences and inspires people to make music. I’m talking about CLASSIC classic rockers, bands whose names can be shortened and still be recognized. Bands like Zeppelin, the Stones, Pink Floyd, Creedence, the Who and countless others. I don’t even like the term ‘classic rock;’ it’s become a dumping ground of tired old songs that burnouts used to dig ‘back in the day.’ I mean really, do you actually know anybody who likes listening to Joe Walsh?
Granted, a lot of these so-called classic rock bands aren’t entirely worthless. They may have one or two decent songs. That, however, is not enough to warrant the inclusion of their entire recording output and to bestow upon them the coveted descriptor ‘classic.’ Conversely, someone may have achieved the status of rock and roll superstar with an extensive catalog of great material to boot but all you hear from them on the radio is “cocaine,” “cinnamon girl” or “the boys are back in town.” It seems that there are classic rock bands and classic rock songs. Either way, the term is horribly broad and entirely subjective; I’m making arbitrary judgments right now.
Look at your average classic rock radio playlist and the Eagles seem to come up the most. Sure they sold a ton of records but come on…Jeff Lebowski (the dude) said it best and I echo his sentiment when I say, “I hate the fucking Eagles, man.” George Thorogood, Bad Company, Foreigner and all that other bullshit is the crap that the Homer Simpsons of this nation dig--the music that appeals to average, often dim-witted Americans.
I sigh and shake my head when I say, because it's totally true, that Homer is the quintessential modern American man. Wikipedia says:
Homer embodies several American working class stereotypes: he is crude, overweight, incompetent, clumsy, thoughtless and a borderline alcoholic. His personality is one of frequent stupidity, laziness and explosive anger. Homer shows immense laziness towards work, is overweight and "is devoted to his stomach.” He suffers from a short attention span, following only his dominant impulse, which complements his short-lived passion for various hobbies and enterprises, but then changes his mind when things go badly. Homer is prone to emotional outbursts; he is very envious of his neighbors, and is easily enraged. While Homer's thoughtless antics often upset his family, he has also revealed himself to be a surprisingly caring father and husband.
The quintessential modern American man indeed. Sigh...
LISTEN TO WHATEVER YOU WANT--IF YOU LIKE IT, IT'S COOL.
I sigh and shake my head when I say, because it's totally true, that Homer is the quintessential modern American man. Wikipedia says:
Homer embodies several American working class stereotypes: he is crude, overweight, incompetent, clumsy, thoughtless and a borderline alcoholic. His personality is one of frequent stupidity, laziness and explosive anger. Homer shows immense laziness towards work, is overweight and "is devoted to his stomach.” He suffers from a short attention span, following only his dominant impulse, which complements his short-lived passion for various hobbies and enterprises, but then changes his mind when things go badly. Homer is prone to emotional outbursts; he is very envious of his neighbors, and is easily enraged. While Homer's thoughtless antics often upset his family, he has also revealed himself to be a surprisingly caring father and husband.
The quintessential modern American man indeed. Sigh...
LISTEN TO WHATEVER YOU WANT--IF YOU LIKE IT, IT'S COOL.
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